Bell Textron has initiated production of the AH-1Z Viper fleet ordered for Nigeria through a US Foreign Military Sales programme. The start of manufacturing was marked by a ceremony at Bell’s Amarillo, Texas, production center involving representatives of the manufacturer, the Nigerian Air Force and the US Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division. The US Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division is overseeing the contract. The Nigerian package calls for as many as 12 Viper attack helicopters, together with associated support services and equipment. The scope of the arrangement extends beyond the aircraft themselves. Nigeria will receive programme-management and engineering assistance, logistics support, spare parts and training equipment. Bell is scheduled to finish the entire fleet by January 2029. Washington had approved the potential Nigerian purchase in 2022, with the overall package valued at approximately $997 million. Viper Attack HelicopterThe AH-1Z measures 58 feet (18 m) long and has a 48-foot (15 m) rotor diameter. It is operated by a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and gunner. Its weapons architecture can accommodate an M197 20mm three-barrel electric rotary cannon and Hydra 70mm guided rockets. Missile options include the AIM-9 Sidewinder, AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-179 JAGM. Two GE T700-GE-401C turboshaft engines provide 1,800 hp each. The helicopter can reach 222 knots (255 mph/411 km/h), fly up to 370 nautical miles (426 miles/685 km) and operate at altitudes of as much as 20,000 feet (6,096 m).
